Genesis Baptist Church
Empowering Generations for the 21st Century
BIBLE STUDY
6-Week Bible Study Series on Malachi:
Week 1 – God’s Covenant Love **Text:** Malachi 1:1–5 **Theme:** God’s love for His people is steadfast, even when questioned. **Key Points:**
• - God declares His love for Israel despite their doubts.
• - The contrast between God’s treatment of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom).
• - God’s sovereign love is the foundation for covenant relationship. **Discussion Questions:**
• - Why do you think Israel doubted God’s love?
• - How does remembering God’s love shape our faith during discouraging times?
• - How do we see God’s love confirmed in Christ? **Application:** This week, recall moments where God’s love was evident in your life and write a gratitude prayer.
Week 2 – Honoring God in Worship **Text:** Malachi 1:6–14 **Theme:** God deserves our best, not leftovers. **Key Points:**
• - Priests dishonored God with blemished offerings.
• - God rebukes false worship and calls for reverence.
• - True worship acknowledges God’s greatness among the nations. **Discussion Questions:**
• - What does offering God “blemished sacrifices” look like today?
• - How can we guard against giving God our leftovers—time, energy, or devotion?
• - Why is reverence crucial in worship? **Application:** Commit to offering God your
“first and best” this week—in prayer, giving, or service.
Week 3 – Faithfulness in Covenant Relationships **Text:** Malachi 2:10–16 **Theme:** God desires faithfulness in community and marriage. **Key Points:**
• - God condemns unfaithfulness to one another as breaking covenant.
• - The issue of intermarriage and divorce reflects disloyalty to God.
• - God calls for covenant loyalty—both to Him and to each other. **Discussion Questions:**
• - How does unfaithfulness to people reflect unfaithfulness to God?
• - What does it mean that God hates divorce?
• - How can we cultivate faithfulness in our relationships and church community?
**Application:** Identify one relationship in your life where God is calling you to practice greater faithfulness.
Week 4 – The God of Justice **Text:** Malachi 2:17–3:5 **Theme:** God answers accusations of injustice with His coming judgment. **Key Points:**
• - Israel questions God’s justice because the wicked seem to prosper.
• - God promises to send His messenger to prepare the way.
• - God Himself will come as a refiner and purifier.
**Discussion Questions:**
• - Why do people often feel that God is indifferent to injustice?
• - How does Malachi point toward John the Baptist and Christ?
• - What does it mean for God to refine His people? **Application:** Pray for God’s refining work in one area of your life where you need His cleansing.
Week 5 – Returning to God **Text:** Malachi 3:6–12 **Theme:** God calls His people to return to Him through repentance and faithfulness. **Key Points:**
• - God’s unchanging nature gives hope for restoration.
• - Israel’s neglect of tithes is spiritual robbery.
• - God promises blessing when His people return in obedience. **Discussion Questions:**
• - What does God’s unchanging character mean for our faith?
• - How is giving a reflection of spiritual faithfulness?
• - What does it mean for us to “test God” in faith today? **Application:** Examine your stewardship of time, talents, and treasure—where is God calling you to return?
Week 6 – The Coming Day of the Lord **Text:** Malachi 4:1–6 **Theme:** God’s final word points to judgment and restoration. **Key Points:**
• - The day of the Lord will burn like fire for the wicked.
• - Healing and joy are promised for the faithful.
• - Elijah will come before the great day, pointing to John the Baptist and ultimately Christ.
**Discussion Questions:**
• - How does the promise of final judgment and restoration shape how
we live now?
• - In what ways did John the Baptist fulfill this prophecy?
• - How does Malachi’s closing hope point us to Christ’s return?
**Application:** Encourage the group to live with urgency and hope, preparing for Christ’s coming by walking faithfully today.
Sunday services:
Intercessory Prayer: 7:15 AM
Morning Worship: 10:00 AM
Sunday School: 8:30 AM
Bible Study: 7 PM (Wednesdays)
Breakfast:
8:00 AM
Address
2812 East Bessemer Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27405
Office Hours: Tues-thurs: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm